North Carolina paves the way for drunk Segwaying

Is there a gyroscope in there, son?

The Segway scooter has a purpose after all. It'll help you get home after an all night boozer without a DUI charge.

That seems to be the major lesson learned from the case of Kevin Crow - a North Carolina scooter aficionado. A sheriff's deputy charged Crow with scooting while intoxicated, noting that he scooted past a stop sign and weaved in his scooting lane. After testing, the sheriff's office discovered Crow's blood alcohol level to be .13 - well over the .08 limit.

Crow, 27, was then convicted and appealed the verdict, citing what is now to be known as the Segway Defense.

Crow argued that scooters deserve the same protection as bicycles, horses, lawnmowers and even the lowly Segway. Such items are not considered "vehicles" under state law, but the scooter is.

Despite Crow's best efforts, the appeals panel upheld the ruling.

One judge noted that close to 100 people were near Crow's scooter, adding that the "defendant's behavior subjected these pedestrians and motorists to a high degree of danger".

Crow could end up serving 14 days in jail and have his license taken away for two years.

So, that's a lesson to you all. When in North Carolina, make sure you drink and Segway. You won't get a ticket, but you may get shot. ®